Put a little money away regularly. It's the best way to save for a long-term goal: whether it's a travel system for your baby, a family holiday or a new laptop. Here are some simple ideas to help get you into the saving habit.

1. Keep track of your spending

For the next month, keep a log of what you spend every day. Find an easy way to record what you spend as you go. There are apps to download just for this purpose.

If you find it easier, keep a notebook in your bag and jot down your spending. Or you could keep all your receipts and tot them up. Prepare yourself for a shock! If you add up how much you spend on coffees, toddler snacks and little treats, you'll be amazed by how much you could save.

2. Pay yourself first

Try working out realistic long-term goals. Once you've established what you spend each month, estimate how much you can afford to save each week or month. Then open a savings or investment account and start paying in on a regular basis. Set up a standing order if you find it easier. You'll be amazed how quickly small contributions can build up to larger sums.
Regular saving can quickly become a healthy habit. At the end of each month, you'll have the satisfaction of feeling more in control of your finances, while knowing you're saving for something really special.

3. Find a good deal

There are plenty of ways you can save money when paying for essentials. Review your mortgage, credit cards, insurance and utilities.

All this can be done very simply online. Just go to one of the price comparison websites to find the best deals for you. Alternatively, talk to an independent financial adviser.

Start supermarket shopping online, if you haven't already. It's so much easier to stick to a budget when you keep track of what you're spending. It's also easier to resist buying items on impulse!

Use price comparison websites to work out the best supermarket deals. They all have special offers and some charge less for delivery at certain times of the week.

4. Motivate yourself with a goal

If you saved for six months, what could you afford at the end? Set yourself a realistic goal and keep a picture of your target on the fridge to keep you motivated.

Every time you think about buying something that is not absolutely necessary, look at your picture of a sunny beach and ask yourself, "Do I want this as much as my holiday in the sun?"

5. Start a loose change jar

Put a jar in a prominent place, and empty your change into it at the end of each day. The change-counting machines at supermarkets can turn your pennies into pounds when the jar is full.

Use this cash to buy something special like a Christmas gift, or put it toward your savings.

6. Put away surprises

Whenever you get an unexpected windfall, such as a holiday bonus or cash gift, put the money in your savings account. You weren't counting on this cash as part of your regular income, so try not to waste it. You'll reach your goal that much sooner.

7. Pay off your debt

Get rid of as much credit card, student loan, and other personal debt as you can, and then start saving.

It may seem hard to believe, but paying off your debt is the best way to save money. That's because the interest you pay on most loans is much higher than the interest you earn on most savings accounts.

8. Pretend you're still paying off a loan

When you finish paying off a loan, keep making the monthly payments - but into your savings account! As you've already been making the payments for months, you should be able to continue to manage without the extra cash.

9. Open a savings account you can't touch

Save for bigger purchases by putting money into an investment account. As the money must stay in the account for a set period of time, you won't be able to withdraw it whenever temptation strikes. Most investment accounts also earn more interest than savings accounts.

10. Make saving a challenge

Each month, try to save just a little bit more. Make saving a challenge. You'll learn to avoid the sales when you buy bargains you don't need. These sacrifices will make your final goal even more worthwhile in the long run.

Last reviewed: March 2014

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